Iran Airtour Flight 956

Iran Air Tours

Industry	Airline
Headquarters	Iran
Area served	Iran
Products	Air transport services

Iran Air Tours Flight 956 was a Tupolev Tu-154M that crashed approximately 230 miles (370 km) southwest of Tehran on 12 February 2002. While executing a non-precision approach to runway 11 at Khorramabad Airport, the aircraft collided with Mount Kuh-e Sefid at around 9,100 feet (2,800 m) elevation, about 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) to the left of the runway’s centerline. The accident resulted in the loss of all 119 individuals on board, including 12 crew members and 107 passengers. Among those aboard were four government officials. This event ranks as the fifth deadliest aviation disaster in Iran's history.

Aircraft

The Tupolev Tu-154 is recognized as Russia’s most prevalent jet airliner and enjoys extensive use across the region, typically accommodating up to 148 passengers. Since its introduction in the 1970s, this incident marked the twentieth accident involving a Tu-154 model. The specific aircraft involved was a Tu-154M bearing manufacturer serial number 91A871 and production number 08-71. Constructed by Aviakor, it completed its maiden flight on 21 May 1991 and was delivered to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in June that year, initially registered as CCCP-85698 and assigned to Azerbaijan’s aviation authority. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was re-registered in 1993 as 4K-85698 under Azerbaijan's jurisdiction.

Subsequent to an overhaul financed via leasing arrangements, the plane was leased to ARZ-400, which then subleased it in May 2000 to Bulgarian firm Balkangtsev, changing its registration to LZ-LTO. In December 2000, it was again subleased to another Bulgarian operator, Bulgarian Air Charter (BAC), with registration updated to LZ-LCO. On 21 January 2002, BAC subleased the aircraft to Iran Airtour, which re-registered it as EP-MBS. By the time of the crash, this aircraft had logged a total of 12,701 flight hours over 5,516 cycles. It was powered by three Soloviev D-30KU-154 turbojet engines.

Crash

Iran Air Tours Flight 956 took off from Tehran en route to Khorramabad at 7:30 a.m., carrying 12 crew members along with 107 passengers. Among those aboard were four government officials and at least four individuals of Spanish nationality. The aircraft attempted to land amid adverse weather conditions, during which the crew veered approximately 3 kilometers off the runway’s left centerline. Around 15 miles from the airport, at an elevation of 9,100 feet above sea level, the Tupolev Tu-154 collided with Kuh-e Sefid mountain near the village of Sarab-e Dowreh and subsequently exploded. Tragically, all 119 people on board perished. Initial media reports incorrectly stated the death toll as 117. It was reported that the plane was unable to execute the necessary IFR approach since the airport lacked Soviet-style navigation aids; consequently, a VFR approach was attempted despite poor weather. According to the CVR, the copilot issued warnings to the captain regarding potential hazards, but these alerts were disregarded due to the captain’s excessive confidence.

Aftermath

In the wake of the tragedy, demands arose for either the resignation or removal of Transport Minister Ahmad Khorram and civil aviation chief Behzad Mazheri. Approximately 150 parliamentary deputies submitted a letter to President Mohammad Khatami, urging him to initiate a thorough investigation into the accident’s causes.

The incident was also attributed in part to U.S. sanctions on Iran, which hindered Iranian airlines from acquiring replacement parts for their pre-1979 Boeing aircraft. This limitation compelled them to continue operating aging aircraft from the post-Soviet era. Following the crash, Iran Air Tours declared its intention to discontinue use of Tupolev planes, although this plan was never put into effect.

External links

• Aviation Safety Network report